4-star EDGE Jackson Vaughn Commitment Preview: Where Notre Dame stands with the dynamic pass rusher going into his decision
Where do things stand between Notre Dame and four-star pass rusher Jackson Vaughn heading into his commitment on Tuesday night?
Notre Dame football is hoping for some good news on Tuesday night from 2027 Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic defensive end Jackson Vaughn. The talented pass rusher is set to make his college decision. Vaughn will be selecting between the Fighting Irish, LSU, Miami, Auburn, and South Carolina.
The New Jersey native was originally a member of the 2028 recruiting class before reclassifying this offseason. Even before that reclassification, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish had been pushing hard for Vaughn. Once he made his decision, things escalated quickly, and he became an even larger priority with a shorter timeline to work with.
Notre Dame has already earned commitments from five-star defensive tackle David Folorunsho and top-100 defensive end Aidan O’Neil. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has his eyes set on an elite overall group in the 2027 recruiting class. He very much wants Vaughn to be a part of his first group with the Fighting Irish.
Here is where things currently stand with Vaughn heading into his decision at 6:30 PM Eastern time on Tuesday night.
Where do things stand in Vaughn’s recruitment?
Make no mistake about it, Notre Dame is the unquestioned team to beat for Vaughn heading into the decision. Freeman and Co. have done a great job from the beginning, and they have laid strong groundwork for one of their best defensive line hauls in a very long time. Some top targets that remain include five-star Abraham Sesay and defensive tackles Brayden Parks, Marcus Fakatou, Segun Alexander, and Tyler Alexander.
Outside of Notre Dame, Miami has done the best job in the Vaughn recruitment. LSU has also had its moments, but the Hurricanes would be considered the heavy favorites if not for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame has built up a very strong lead, barring something unforeseen happening late.
Jackson Vaughn’s recruiting background
Despite recently being reclassified to the 2027 recruiting class, Vaughn is considered a four-star player by each of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, he currently ranks as the No. 244 overall player, the No. 22 EDGE, and the No. 5 player from the state of New Jersey for the class. That rating promises to increase heading into a big 2026 senior season.
If the rankings don’t get you excited, then Vaughn’s offer list sure would, now holding 50 offers to his name. Some of his top offers include the Fighting Irish, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida State, USC, Auburn, South Carolina, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, Louisville, Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Colorado, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Virginia, West Virginia, SMU, NC State, Georgia Tech, UNC, UCF, Illinois, Boston College, Syracuse, Duke, Cal, Rutgers, and Purdue, among many others.
As a sophomore in 2025, Vaughn put together a tremendous season. The 6-4, 225-pound pass rusher recorded 40 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. Vaughn also broke up three passes for one of the better defenses in all of high school football. He is lightning quick off the ball with tons of bend and closing speed.